Ultimate Self-Drive Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road
Iceland’s Ring Road, Route 1, is a bucket-list journey: raw natural landscapes, cascading waterfalls, glacial lagoons, black sand beaches, volcanic plains, and northern lights. But to truly enjoy it—especially doing it yourself—requires planning, flexibility, and respect for the unpredictable weather and fragile environment. Whether you’ve got one week or two, summer or winter, this guide will set you up for an unforgettable self‐drive adventure.
Introduction: What is the Ring Road?
- Route & Length: Route 1 (the Ring Road) loops around almost the entire country (~1,322 km / ~821 miles). It connects most of the major towns, natural attractions, and many remote regions.
- Best Time to Travel: Summer (June–August) offers long daylight, milder weather and open access to most roads including some gravel tracks and highland F-roads. Winters bring dramatic scenery, fewer tourists, auroras—but also very limited daylight, and tougher driving conditions.
Planning Your Trip: Time, Route Direction & Itinerary
How Many Days Should You Allocate?
| Trip Style / Duration | Approx. Daily Driving | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fast (5-6 days) | 4-6 hrs/day | You’ll see many highlights, but risks being rushed. |
| Balanced (7-9 days) | 2-5 hrs/day | Good pace, allows for detours and spontaneous stops. |
| Relaxed / Deep Exploration (10-14+ days) | 1-4 hrs/day | Great for highlands, extra side trips, relaxing in towns. |
Most guides recommend 7-10 days as an ideal timeframe to experience the Ring Road without feeling perpetually in transit.
Direction: Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise?
Either direction works; both have pros & cons:
- Counter-clockwise (e.g. from Reykjavík → South Coast → East → North → West) lets you warm up with some of the most iconic sites early on (Golden Circle, South coast). Great if you want dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers early.
- Clockwise can allow more gentle introduction, saving some of the biggest “wow” moments for the end. Depending on season and weather, finishing through the South Coast might feel epic.
The key is leaving flexibility: weather, daylight hours, road closures can force alterations.
Vehicle Choice, Gear & Safety
What Kind of Car Do You Need?
- Summer & sticking to Route 1: a standard 2WD car often suffices. You’ll be mostly on paved roads.
- Winter / off-road detours / F-roads / highlands: go for a 4WD vehicle. You’ll need better traction, more ground clearance, possibly studded tires.
- Insurance & protection: Consider gravel protection, sand & ash protection (especially south coast, east side) as volcanic ash and wind can damage vehicles.
Safety & What to Pack
- Warm, layered, waterproof outdoor clothing, gloves, hats. Conditions change fast.
- Reliable GPS / offline maps. A local SIM card for data helps.
- Essentials: first aid kit, torch/headlamp, tire repair tools, snow shovel (winter), windshield scraper, emergency blankets.
- Snacks & water, especially if you’ll be stretching between towns. Fuel up whenever you reach a gas station.
Weather & Road Conditions
- Check weather forecast daily. Websites like vedur.is for weather, road.is for road conditions are essential.
- Be prepared for sudden weather events: high winds, snow, ice, or even storms that close roads.
- Understand speed limits: generally ~90 km/h on paved roads, slower on gravel or in built-up areas.
Itinerary Highlights: Must-See Stops
Below are some of the unmissable attractions, grouped by Region, plus suggestions for how to split your days.
| Region | Top Attractions | Ideal Time & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| South Coast | Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara (black sand beach), Dyrhólaey, Glacier lagoons / Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach | End/start here; dramatic scenery. Be cautious of sneaker waves on Reynisfjara. Plan glacier hikes if time & weather allow. |
| Southeast / East Fjords | Vatnajökull National Park (Skaftafell), Jökulsárlón, Vestrahorn, small fishing villages, dramatic fjords | Remote & rugged. Fewer crowds. Accommodation options are more spread out—book ahead. |
| North Iceland | Lake Mývatn (hiking, geothermal features), Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Húsavík (whale watching), Akureyri | The volcanic landscapes up here are different: steam vents, mud pools, lava fields. A great region for both natural sightseeing & local culture. |
| West & West Iceland | Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Kirkjufell, Snæfellsjökull glacier, lava fields), Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls, Borgarfjörður, Reykholt | If you have extra days, West offers spectacular geology & fewer crowds compared to South. Great for photographers and slower travellers. |
Sample Itinerary (10-Day Balanced Loop)
Here’s a sample 10-day schedule that balances driving & exploration. Adjust based on your entry/exit point and interests.
| Day | Route / Highlights | Driving Time Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Keflavík → Reykjavík. Explore Reykjavík. Relax, get supplies. | ~45 mins from airport to city. |
| Day 2 | Reykjavík → Golden Circle (Þingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss) → head to the South Coast to stay near Vík. | ~4-5 hrs |
| Day 3 | South Coast: Vík → Reynisfjara → Dyrhólaey → Skógafoss → Sólheimasandur (plane wreck optionally) → overnight near Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell. | ~4-5 hrs |
| Day 4 | Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón / Diamond Beach → Höfn. | ~3-4 hrs, add time for glacier hike. |
| Day 5 | East Fjords: Höfn → small villages → Egilsstaðir. Scenic fjord drives. | ~4-5 hrs |
| Day 6 | Egilsstaðir → Lake Mývatn region. Explore geothermal areas, go to Dettifoss. | ~3-4 hrs |
| Day 7 | Mývatn → Húsavík (whale watching) → Akureyri. Evening in Akureyri. | ~3-4 hrs |
| Day 8 | Akureyri to Snæfellsnes Peninsula via west coast stops (Hraunfossar, etc.). | ~5-6 hrs |
| Day 9 | Spend full day in Snæfellsnes: Kirkjufell, lava fields, coastal views. Stay on peninsula. | Minimal driving—focus on exploration. |
| Day 10 | Return to Reykjavík (or fly out), stopping at Borgarnes, Reykholt, etc. | ~3-4 hrs depending on route. |
Costs & Budgeting Tips
- Car Rental: Costs vary depending on season, car type, whether it’s 2WD or 4WD, inclusion of insurance. Summer 4WD rentals are more expensive.
- Fuel: Iceland is expensive. Fuel up whenever possible—especially before remote stretches. Plan fuel-budget for long drives and keep tank topped up.
- Accommodations: Guesthouses, hostels, farm stays, hotels. In summer many fill up fast; in winter options may be limited. Booking in advance is wise.
- Food: Dining out is expensive. Buying groceries, picnic lunches, cooking when possible will save. Gas stations often have basic food. Don’t forget snacks.
- Activities & Tours: Glacier hikes, whale watching, ice caves etc., often require pre-booking, and prices may surge in high season. Leave room in budget/time for optional extras.
Season-by-Season Tips
| Season | Advantages | Challenges & Things to Plan For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (June–Aug) | Long daylight (even near 24h in midsummer); nearly all roads open; mild weather; more amenities & services. | Crowds; higher prices; weather still unpredictable—rain, wind possible. In Highlands, some roads only open mid-summer. |
| Shoulder Seasons (May / early June, September / early October) | Fewer tourists; beautiful lighting; still many services open; the chance of seeing Northern Lights in fall. | Less daylight; some roads might be closed; colder nights; unpredictable weather. |
| Winter (Nov–Mar/Apr) | Dramatic snowy landscapes; Northern Lights; lower travel traffic; unique experiences like ice caves. | Very short daylight (~4-6 hrs in deep winter); snow & ice; risk of road closures; need for proper gear & 4WD; some services limited. |
Practical Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t underestimate driving times: posted distances don’t account for photo stops, weather, or detours. Always build buffer time.
- Avoid off-road driving: It is illegal/dangerous and damages fragile nature (especially moss). Hefty fines.
- Watch for single-lane bridges & tunnels: Many parts of Ring Road have narrow bridges and steep passes. Use proper courtesy, slow down.
- Fuel up early & often: Don’t run low in remote East/North stretches.
- Be weather-ready: sudden changes happen. A sunny morning can turn to snow in mountains or storms on the coast. Always have waterproof layers.
- Respect daylight & plan around it: especially outside summer. No point driving long in the dark; many sites best visited in daylight.
Unique Experiences & Hidden Gems
While the iconic stops are amazing, some less-crowded or unique detours are worth including:
- East Fjords villages: Fishing towns, fjord-lined drives, local culture. Peaceful compared to South.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula: A “mini Iceland” with volcanoes, lava fields, dramatic coasts.
- Diamond Circle in North Iceland: Dettifoss waterfall, Ásbyrgi canyon, Húsavík for whale watching.
- Basalt column sites like Studlagil Canyon (East).
- Hot springs & geothermal spots outside the most popular ones (often less crowded).
Environmental Responsibility & Local Culture
- Respect nature: stay on marked trails, follow signage, avoid off-road driving.
- Leave no trace: pack out what you bring in. Iceland’s ecosystems (especially moss, lichens) are fragile and recover very slowly.
- Support local: staying in guesthouses, eating local food, buying from small shops helps Icelandic communities.
- Be mindful of wildlife and livestock (sheep, reindeer) especially on rural roads. Slow down and allow them safe amounts of space.
Final Thoughts
A self-drive around Iceland’s Ring Road is more than just a road trip; it’s a transformation. Every turn offers something distinct—lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, ice and fire, vast emptiness and charming small towns. To get the most, plan ahead, move at a pace that lets you soak in the moments (not just tick off the list), and be flexible—sometimes the weather will write your itinerary for you.
If done right, by the end of the drive you’ll have not only seen Iceland, but felt it. Every roar of a waterfall, every night under the stars or auroras, every glacier-walk or hot spring dip becomes part of your story.
